German state looks to ban headscarves for girls

Girls aged below 14 could be banned from wearing Islamic headscarves in Germany’s most populous state under a regional government’s plans.

The proposals in North Rhinewestphalia sparked national debate after Serap Güler, the region’s integration minister, said there were reports of girls as young as seven going to school in headscarves.

Burhan Kesici, of the Islamic Council of Germany, spoke out against the potential ban, calling it “hurtful to Muslims”.